The
federal entity created by the Constitution is the dominant feature of
the American governmental system. There are fifty (50) states and Washington
D.C. The last two states to join the Union were Alaska (49th) and Hawaii
(50th). Both joined in 1959.

Washington D.C. is a federal district under the authority of Congress.
Puerto Rico is a commonwealth associated with the United States. Other
dependent areas include American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island,
Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island,
Palmyra Atoll, Virgin Islands, Wake Island. From 18 July 1947 until 1
October 1994, the US administered the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands,
but recently entered into a new political relationship with all four political
units: the Northern Mariana Islands is a commonwealth in political union
with the US (effective 3 November 1986); Palau concluded a Compact of
Free Association with the US (effective 1 October 1994); the Federated
States of Micronesia signed a Compact of Free Association with the US
(effective 3 November 1986); the Republic of the Marshall Islands signed
a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 21 October 1986).

In general, matters that lie entirely within state borders are the exclusive
concern of state governments. These include internal communications;
regulations relating to property, industry, business, and public utilities;
the state criminal code; and working conditions within the state. There
are many areas of overlap between state and federal jurisdictions. In
recent years, the federal government has assumed broader responsibility
in such matters as health, education, welfare, transportation, and housing
and urban development. The constitutions of the various states differ
in some details but generally follow a pattern similar to that of the
federal Constitution, including a statement of the rights of the people
and a plan for organizing the government. On such matters as the operation
of businesses, banks, public utilities, and charitable institutions,
state constitutions are often more detailed and explicit than the federal
constitution.

DISCLAIMER
Any reference obtained from this server to a
specific commercial product, process, or service does not constitute
or imply an endorsement by the United States Government of the product,
process, or service, or its producer or provider. The views and opinions
expressed in any referenced document do not necessarily state or reflect
those of the United States Government.